Gillian McKercher’s “Lucky Star” Brings an Authentic Asian-Canadian Story to SBIFF

The 2025 Santa Barbara International Film Festival has once again proven to be a hub for groundbreaking cinema, and among this year’s standout selections is “Lucky Star”, a gripping drama that offers a fresh perspective on the Asian-Canadian experience. Continue reading Gillian McKercher’s “Lucky Star” Brings an Authentic Asian-Canadian Story to SBIFF

Thailand Beckons: ‘The White Lotus’ Season 3 Trailer Drops Ahead of February Premiere

HBO’s critically acclaimed series The White Lotus is back with its highly anticipated third season, set to premiere on February 16, 2025. Helmed by Mike White, who created, wrote, and directed the series, this latest chapter promises more of the sharp social satire and gripping storytelling that have made the show a cultural phenomenon. Known for its incisive commentary on privilege and the human condition, The White Lotus has … Continue reading Thailand Beckons: ‘The White Lotus’ Season 3 Trailer Drops Ahead of February Premiere

Soo Hugh Reflects On Apple TV+’s Pachinko Season 2 And The Road Ahead

Soo Hugh has established herself as a skilled storyteller, transitioning from the suspenseful worlds of The Terror and Under the Dome to the deeply personal, multi-generational drama of Pachinko. Soo Hugh recently spoke with us about her approach to casting the multi-generational characters, the challenges of adapting Min Jin Lee’s expansive novel, and the significance of particular scenes that deeply resonated with her during production.  Continue reading Soo Hugh Reflects On Apple TV+’s Pachinko Season 2 And The Road Ahead

Blending Culture And Heart: Pat Boonnitipat’s ‘How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies’ Explores Love And Legacy

In his feature directorial debut, Pat Boonnitipat introduces himself as a filmmaker with a keen eye for emotional depth in How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies. Pat Boonnitipat delves into the origins of the film, the artistic challenges of adapting such a personal story, and his perspective on the transition from television to feature filmmaking. Continue reading Blending Culture And Heart: Pat Boonnitipat’s ‘How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies’ Explores Love And Legacy

Legendary Actress Joan Chen’s Journey: Embracing Motherhood And Identity In “Dìdi”

The recent rise in roles for Asian actors has created opportunities for both newcomers and seasoned veterans like Chen, allowing her to reintroduce herself to a broader audience. In her interview with us, Joan Chen reflects on her journey and emphasizes the importance of stories like “Dìdi” in today’s landscape. Continue reading Legendary Actress Joan Chen’s Journey: Embracing Motherhood And Identity In “Dìdi”

Emmy-Winning “Shōgun” Editors Aika Miyake And Maria Gonzales On Crafting The Emotional Season Finale

FX/Hulu’s Shōgun landed an impressive 25 nominations for the upcoming Primetime Emmy Awards, becoming the first Japanese-language series to be nominated for Outstanding Drama Series. Editors Maria Gonzales and Aika Miyake, who worked on three episodes individually before collaborating on the finale, ensured that non-Japanese-speaking audiences would be engaged with the story told mostly through subtitles. Continue reading Emmy-Winning “Shōgun” Editors Aika Miyake And Maria Gonzales On Crafting The Emotional Season Finale

Emmy-Nominated ‘X-Men ’97’ Director Emi/Emmett Yonemura on Capturing The Essence Of The Original

Emi/Emmett Yonemura, who directed several episodes of the first season, including the penultimate Episode 5, “Remember It”, spoke to Award Focus about the recent Emmy nomination and their work on the series. Their love of the X-Men was on clear display with X-Men statues and classic issues of the comic book (including X-Men #266 – Gambit’s first appearance) on display. Continue reading Emmy-Nominated ‘X-Men ’97’ Director Emi/Emmett Yonemura on Capturing The Essence Of The Original

“Dìdi” Captures the Heartbreak and Humor of Growing Up Asian American

(This article originally appeared on Awards Focus) There’s a moment in Sean Wang’s “Dìdi” that stopped me cold: Chris Wang, a Taiwanese American teen in Fremont, California, quietly questioning where he fits—torn between the comfort of his Asian friends and the appeal of the white skater kids he hopes will see him as “cool.” That push-pull, that calculation of identity in real time, is something … Continue reading “Dìdi” Captures the Heartbreak and Humor of Growing Up Asian American